Forensic computer analyst
Forensic computer analysts examine digital devices to recover images, files and data, which may have been hidden, protected or encrypted.
Also known as: Cyber security professional
- Starter salary£30,000 a year
- Experienced£65,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a forensic computer analyst, you could:
- examine electronic devices like laptops, phones and tablets
- recover and secure data
- investigate hacking, fraud and theft
- uncover political, industrial and commercial espionage
- track terrorist communications and other illegal activities
- analyse mobile phone records and follow data trails
- document each stage of a forensic investigation
- present technical findings and evidence
- recover lost or damaged data for commercial or legal purposes
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of digital communications
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- persistence and determination
- excellent verbal communication skills
- excellent written communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a forensic computer analyst
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- training with a professional body
University
You can study for a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
- forensic computing and security
- computer science
- cyber security
- digital forensics
- financial technology
Choosing a course that includes an internship or industry work placement may give you an advantage when looking for jobs.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete and combine work-based training with academic study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
- a degree in a relevant subject
Work
You could start work as an IT support technician, network engineer or junior developer after doing A levels or equivalent qualifications. You could then move into forensic analysis through further training on the job.
Other routes
You could do certified industry training with a professional body like the Chartered Institute of Information Security or The Chartered Institute for IT .
You'll need to be working in IT security or have a lot of relevant experience to do this.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass security checks
Career path and progression
With experience, you can become a senior or lead analyst, an IT security co-ordinator or manage a digital forensic investigations department. You can also work as a cyber security consultant.
There are more options in cyber security on the Cyber Career Framework.
Guides for this industry
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